Relocating, whether for work or personal reasons, can be an exciting yet stressful time, especially when it comes to securing accommodation in a new area. Renters who are moving from abroad or out of town are particularly vulnerable to rental scams, as they may not have the opportunity to verify the property in person. The pressure to secure housing before arriving can lead to hasty decisions, making renters prime targets for fraudsters.
While the majority of rental listings are legitimate, it’s essential to approach each offer with caution. To help you avoid falling victim to rental scams, here are five crucial prevention tips for relocating renters.
Top 5 Tips to Prevent Rental Scams
1. Focus on the Landlord/Agent:
Prioritise verifying the identity of the landlord or agent rather than focusing solely on the property. Scammers often use real properties in their schemes but impersonate the legitimate owners or agents. To safeguard yourself, confirm the authenticity of the person offering the rental. Whenever possible, arrange to meet them in person or use a service like SecureProp.com for landlord verification.
2. Use Secure Payment Methods:
Always use secure payment methods, such as bank transfers. Pay close attention to the IBAN number, particularly the first two letters indicating the country and the bank code, which can help you identify whether it’s a traditional bank or a digital one. SecureProp.com offers rent escrow accounts, where funds are securely held until you’ve verified the legitimacy of the rental arrangement and have moved in.
3. Trust Your Instincts:
If something feels off, don’t dismiss it. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, application processes that are unusually smooth, unsolicited rental offers, or landlords and agents who push for quick decisions. Your instincts can often be your first line of defense against scams.
4. Think Prevention, Not Recourse:
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding rental scams. Consider using a rent escrow service, such as those provided by SecureProp.com, where your funds are held securely until you’ve confirmed the property is legitimate. It’s important to note that most banks won’t offer fraud reimbursement if you’ve authorized the payment, so securing your transaction upfront is critical.
5. Slow Down, Pause, and Reflect:
Don’t let the urgency of your relocation rush you into a decision. Taking the time to slow down and reflect can make a significant difference. Discuss your situation with a trusted friend, family member, or a housing support service to gain a fresh perspective and avoid making hasty choices.
Need security support?
Renting a property while relocating can be challenging, particularly when you can’t verify the property in person. However, by following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of rental scams.
For added security and peace of mind, consider using the tools and services offered by our sister organisation, SecureProp, including landlord verification, rent escrow accounts, and property risk assessments. If you have any security-related questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at PropSupport.com or SecureProp. We’re here to help ensure your rental experience is safe and secure.
